Biography: Celebrating 25 years among Canada’s most accomplished amateur choirs, the Quintessential Vocal Ensemble (QVE) brings together more than 60 singers from the thriving musical city of St. John’s, capital of the Atlantic Canadian province of Newfoundland and Labrador. A large and diverse but tight-knit group, deeply rooted in the musical culture of the island of Canada’s Atlantic coast where singing or playing an instrument is second nature. Its members encompass a range of experienced singers, instrumentalists, teachers, students, and other professions and diverse backgrounds, sharing a love for eclectic and engaging repertoire and an exceptional standard of performance. QVE is known especially for their acappella singing and in recent years has also taken on major classical works and collaborated in large-scale productions for symphony and stage. The group is organized into two ensembles: “Ventus” (for adults age 18 and over) and “Aquae” (for young adults age 18 to 23), named for the wind and waters that shape its island home of Newfoundland.
One of their most memorable performances were to be included at Canada’s national choral convention Podium; as headline performer in MusicFest Canada’s national choral showcase; and the choir’s own Christmas television special with the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation. Also in May 2014, QVE received a standing ovation for its solo debut program on the main stage of Carnegie Hall in New York, in aid of the thousands of trans-Atlantic airline travellers diverted to the province following the attacks of 9/11.
Members: 59
Homepage: http://www.qve.ca/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/QuintessentialVocalEnsemble
Twitter: https://twitter.com/QVEchoir